Heritage studies

The range of places we investigate includes individual properties, collections or groups of sites (precincts), places of archaeological significance and landscapes.

We are highly skilled in this work, with an experienced in-house team of historians, architectural historians, architects and planners — partnering with archaeologists and landscape specialists, as required. The integration of planning expertise into the heritage study team is particularly advantageous.

Lovell Chen follows an accepted methodology, consistent with Heritage Victoria’s Model Consultants Brief for Heritage Studies and the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) practice note Applying the Heritage Overlay. The methodology we use is applicable to state, national and international heritage studies.

Many municipal studies have been completed in Victoria in the last 30 years, and recent studies by Lovell Chen include reviews of earlier work and gap-filling projects.

Our heritage studies service typically includes:
— Historical research and collation of historical images, plans and maps
— Field investigation of potential heritage places
— Comparative analyses of similar places in order to understand the relative importance of a place
— Assessment of significance
— Recommendations for inclusion of properties in heritage overlays
— Mapping the extent of recommended properties

We also prepare complete heritage overlay schedules for local councils.

The results of heritage studies are documented in a methodology report, and in citations for individual heritage places and precincts. The documentation is comprehensive and succinct, and ready for use by the Council planners who implement the studies.

In addition, we have a highly successful track record in helping authorities see heritage studies through the public consultation, exhibition and amendment stages, and into planning schemes. This includes the giving of evidence before planning panels.